Defensive Driving Program

The Surprise City Court allows Defensive Driving Classes for persons who receive tickets for specific moving traffic violations.  There are several requirements that must be met before you are deemed eligible to attend.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible:

• You must not presently be enrolled, or have completed any other traffic class for dismissal of a ticket in the State of Arizona in the last two years.
  
• Your ticket must not have resulted from an accident involving an injury.
  
• You must have a valid driver's license at the time of your violation.
  
• The violation for which you were cited must be designated as a civil traffic moving violation and may be found on the BOND SCHEDULE.  If your specific violation is not listed, please refer to the State Defensive Driving Program at www.azdrive.com for a complete list of eligible violations.

• You should be aware that if you complete the traffic school for the current ticket, and a subsequent record check reveals that you are not eligible to attend, that your traffic ticket will not be dismissed and this matter will be set for a court hearing.  Notice of the hearing date will be sent to the address listed on your ticket.  The class fee will be forfeited.

If you have received more than one violation, and were granted an extension of the court date by this Court, the extension covers only the violation for which you plan to attend school on.  All other violations must be handled with the Court by the original court date as written on the ticket by the officer.

How Do I Enroll?

If you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, you may enroll in the Defensive Driving Program. You must call the toll-free number or visit the website listed below.

Some classes are available in Spanish. You must bring your driver’s license, your copy of the citation, pencil and paper for instructions, and a money order in the required amount with you on the day of class.  If you lost your citation, you must return to the Court to get a copy.  If you fail to bring a copy of your citation to class, you will not be permitted to attend.

NOTE:  Cash or Personal Checks will not be accepted at the defensive driving class.

You must complete the program at least 7 days before your assigned court date.  Upon completion of the program, the traffic school will notify the Court.  If the citation had only one charge, your case will be deemed complete.  However, if other charges remain, you are responsible for them and may need to visit the Court to settle the case.

What are the advantages to attending the Defensive Driving Program?

• In most cases, you are not required to visit the Court.
• The charge will be dismissed.
• A fine will not be assessed.
• Points will not be assessed against your driving record.

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